A court in Abia State has ordered the remand of two men at the Afara Correctional Centre in Umuahia over the alleged sexual abuse of four minors in separate incidents across the state.

 

Human rights activist Comrade Ochiegbu Marvelous, representing the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation (Abia State Chapter), shared details of the court proceedings on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

 

### The Charges and Allegations

 

The two defendants face serious allegations involving young children:

 

* **Ikechukwu Emmanuel:** Accused of defiling a 9-year-old girl in the Umuana Ndume area of Ibeku.

* **Mr. Levi:** A musician and band owner, charged with sexually abusing three young boys at Owerrinta in Isiala Ngwa.

 

Both defendants entered a plea of not guilty during their court appearance.

 

### Remanded in Custody Ahead of 2027 Trial Date

 

Following the arraignment, the court ordered both men to be remanded at the Afara Correctional Centre in Umuahia while the judicial process continues. The Family Court Magistrate adjourned the case until **January 29, 2027**.

 

### Activist and Police Efforts Praised

 

Commending law enforcement and legal teams for securing the remand orders, Ochiegbu emphasized the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and ensuring perpetrators face justice through legal channels.

 

> *"These are difficult cases, especially when children are involved. Every child deserves to grow up in safety, dignity, and peace. Child abuse must never be normalized, hidden, or tolerated,"* Ochiegbu stated.

 

He praised the Gender-Based Department of the Abia State Police Command SCID, led by CP Afolabi Wilfred, alongside the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation team for their investigation and handling of the cases.